Skip to content

What we’re about

Welcome to Early Rise Hikers!

This group's main focus is outdoor exercise in the early morning, with hour long, fast paced hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve scheduled four a week during weekdays, Tuesday through Friday. Our three main hikes vary somewhat in difficulty.

PLEASE NOTE: Our hikes are fitness hikes, and we will be moving at a good clip. Be aware that we do not have a sweep, and while we usually hike together, some people will wish to move more quickly or more slowly than the majority. You should come prepared to guide yourself in case you don't stay with the group for any reason. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me in advance or speak with me or other hike host at the trail head!

The trails are beautiful in the morning, and a group of hiking companions makes the exercise a pleasure. This is a great way to start the day!

Staying connected is easy. For general information on the hikes and trails,  FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, and FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!

Sunrise Trail to the 1.2 mile overlook: Out and back hike totaling 2.4 miles, with just over 500 ft. in elevation gain. Our most challenging weekday hike. (TUESDAY AND THURSDAY)

Weekday Hikes are always on one of three trails:

Gateway – North Side of the Loop: Out and back hike, total 3.2 miles return, with 400 ft. elevation gain. This hike tends to take the full hour, and is more challenging than Lost Dog Wash. (WEDNESDAY)

Lost Dog Wash Sunrise Trail: 4.2 mile out and back hike with around 800 ft. Elevation gain. The gentle run up at the start makes this one feel a little less serious than the Tuesday/Thursday hikes, but don't let that fool you. This one keeps going and will get the heart pumping! (FRIDAY)



Weekend Hikes
Our weekend hikes are more varied, tend to be longer, and are more challenging. Please ask the organizer if you have questions!

Start Times
We follow the time of sunrise and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gate Opening Times. Winter hikes start between 6:30 and 7:30 am, and in the summer months begin as early as 5:30 am to beat the heat. We leave 5 minutes after the posted start time.

Carpooling options
If you don't live in the area and would like to consider carpooling, check out our Carpool Discussion Board.

RSVP Etiquette
Please let us know if you're coming. If you have RSVP'd "yes" and change your mind, please change your RSVP. Read about RSVP etiquette here.

Please Note:
We live in a desert where you WILL sweat out a lot of water very quickly trying to keep your body cool. Even though we are leaving early in the morning you still need to bring water with you. There is no formula for how much water you will need so ALWAYS err on the side of caution.

Remember, only YOU are responsible for your own safety.

Upcoming events (4+)

See all